History of Zach LaVine in Timeline
Zach LaVine is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014, LaVine gained prominence as a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion. His career reached new heights with the Chicago Bulls, where he was named an NBA All-Star in both 2021 and 2022. In addition to his NBA achievements, LaVine secured a gold medal as a member of the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
1971: Bob Love First Three Games
In 1971, Bob Love scored at least 30 points in each of the Bulls' first three games of the season, before Zach LaVine would do so in 2018.
1986: Michael Jordan First Three Games
In 1986, Michael Jordan scored at least 30 points in each of the Bulls' first three games of the season, before Zach LaVine would do so in 2018.
1988: Michael Jordan vs Dominique Wilkins
In 1988, the Michael Jordan vs Dominique Wilkins slam dunk contest happened. It was compared to the contest between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon in 2016.
March 10, 1995: Zach LaVine Born
On March 10, 1995, Zachary Thomas LaVine was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.
1997: Kobe Bryant Youngest Slam Dunk Winner
In 1997, Kobe Bryant was the youngest slam dunk winner, before Zach Lavine would win the slam dunk contest in 2015.
2009: Dwight Howard Perfect Score
In 2009, Dwight Howard had a perfect score on multiple dunks, before Zach Lavine would win the slam dunk contest in 2015.
June 20, 2012: Committed to UCLA
On June 20, 2012, Zach LaVine verbally committed to attending UCLA and playing basketball under coach Ben Howland.
2013: Began Playing at UCLA
In 2013, Zach LaVine began playing college basketball at UCLA after initially committing in 2012.
2013: Named Washington State Player of the Year
In 2013, Zach LaVine was named the Associated Press Washington state player of the year and Washington Mr. Basketball, recognizing his performance as a senior.
January 26, 2014: Shooting Slump
Beginning on January 26, 2014, Zach LaVine experienced a six-game shooting slump where he made just 7 of 36 shots from the field.
April 16, 2014: Declared for NBA Draft
On April 16, 2014, Zach LaVine declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.
July 8, 2014: Signed Rookie Contract with Timberwolves
On July 8, 2014, Zach LaVine signed his rookie scale contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being drafted by the team.
2014: Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves
In 2014, Zach LaVine was drafted in the first round as the 13th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the start of his NBA career.
February 2015: Won Slam Dunk Contest
In February 2015, Zach LaVine won the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend, becoming the youngest champion since Kobe Bryant in 1997.
October 21, 2015: Timberwolves Exercised Team Option
On October 21, 2015, the Timberwolves exercised their third-year team option on Zach LaVine's rookie-scale contract, extending the contract through the 2016-17 season.
March 2016: Guest Appearance on Kirby Buckets
In March 2016, Zach LaVine made a guest appearance on an episode of the Disney XD television series Kirby Buckets.
October 24, 2016: Timberwolves Exercised Fourth-Year Option
On October 24, 2016, the Timberwolves exercised their fourth-year team option on Zach LaVine's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2017–18 season.
2016: Won Rising Stars Challenge MVP & Consecutive Slam Dunk Contest
During the 2016 All-Star Weekend, Zach LaVine scored 30 points for Team USA in the Rising Stars Challenge to capture MVP honors, and he became the fourth player ever to win consecutive Slam Dunk Contests.
2016: Jimmy Butler Points Streak
In 2016, Jimmy Butler scored 20-plus points in 15 consecutive games for the Bulls, before Zach LaVine would score 20-plus points in 14 consecutive games in 2018.
2016: Won Consecutive Slam Dunk Contests
In 2016, Zach LaVine became the fourth NBA player ever to win consecutive Slam Dunk Contests, showcasing his athleticism and skill.
February 4, 2017: Ruled Out for Season with Torn ACL
On February 4, 2017, Zach LaVine was ruled out for the rest of the season after an MRI revealed he had a torn ACL in his left knee, posing a significant challenge to his career.
June 22, 2017: Traded to Chicago Bulls
On June 22, 2017, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls, along with Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen, in exchange for Jimmy Butler and the rights to Justin Patton.
2017: Played Last Game of 2017-2018
Dating to his final game of 2017-2018, Zach LaVine scored 20 or more points in a career-high 14 straight overall to begin the 2018-2019 season.
2017: Last Bulls Player Selected Since Jimmy Butler
In 2017, Jimmy Butler was the last Bulls player selected to be an All-Star, before Zach LaVine in 2021.
2017: ACL Tear
In 2017, Zach LaVine suffered a torn ACL and this caused Zach LaVine to miss 15 games in 2022.
2017: Traded to the Chicago Bulls
In 2017, Zach LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls, marking a change in his NBA career.
January 13, 2018: First Game After Injury
On January 13, 2018, Zach LaVine played his first game in 11 months after recovering from injury, scoring 14 points in the Bulls' win over the Detroit Pistons.
July 6, 2018: Received Offer Sheet from Sacramento Kings
On July 6, 2018, Zach LaVine, as a restricted free agent, received a four-year, $80 million offer sheet from the Sacramento Kings, creating a pivotal moment in his career.
February 23, 2019: Scored Then Career-High 42 Points
On February 23, 2019, Zach LaVine scored a then-career-high 42 points in a 126–116 win over the Boston Celtics, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
November 16, 2019: Scored 36 Points
On November 16, 2019, Lavine scored 36 points in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
January 25, 2020: Recorded 44 Points, Ten Rebounds and Eight Assists
On January 25, 2020, Zach LaVine recorded 44 points, ten rebounds and eight assists in a 118–106 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
February 25, 2020: Scored 41 Points
On February 25, 2020, Zach LaVine again scored 41 points in a 124–122 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
April 2020: Engagement
In April 2020, Zach LaVine became engaged to his longtime girlfriend.
2020: Won Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics
In 2020, Zach LaVine won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo, marking a significant achievement in his career.
February 24, 2021: Named NBA All-Star
On February 24, 2021, Zach LaVine was named a reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star selection.
November 19, 2021: Scored Season-High 36 Points
On November 19, 2021, Zach LaVine scored a season-high 36 points in a 114–108 road victory over the Denver Nuggets.
2021: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2021, Zach LaVine and Team USA won the Olympic gold medal in men's basketball at the Tokyo Olympics, which had been postponed from 2020. LaVine averaged 10.6 points per game, and shot a team-best 47% from three-point range.
2021: Named NBA All-Star
In 2021, Zach LaVine was named an NBA All-Star with the Chicago Bulls, recognizing his performance and contribution to the team.
August 2022: Birth of First Child
In August 2022, Zach LaVine's first child, Saint Thomas LaVine, was born.
December 4, 2022: Recorded 41 Points
On December 4, 2022, Zach LaVine recorded 41 points, eight rebounds and four steals in a 110–101 loss against the Sacramento Kings.
2022: Named All-Star Again
In 2022, Zach LaVine was named a reserve for the NBA All-Star Game, marking his second All-Star selection.
January 6, 2023: Scored 41 Points
On January 6, 2023, Zach LaVine scored 41 points on 14-of-19 shooting from the field and 11-of-13 from beyond the three-point line in a 126–112 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
October 28, 2023: Career-High 51 Points
On October 28, 2023, Zach LaVine scored a career-high 51 points in a loss to the Detroit Pistons.
February 2024: Season-Ending Foot Surgery
In February 2024, it was announced that Zach LaVine would undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot.
November 29, 2024: Surpassed Kirk Hinrich as Bulls All-Time Leader in Three-Pointers Made
On November 29, 2024, Zach LaVine scored 29 points against the Boston Celtics. He also surpassed Kirk Hinrich to become the Bulls' all-time leader in three-pointers made, with a total of 1,051 three-pointers.
February 3, 2025: Traded to the Sacramento Kings
On February 3, 2025, Zach LaVine was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade involving the San Antonio Spurs.
2025: Traded to Sacramento Kings
In 2025, Zach LaVine was traded to the Sacramento Kings after playing eight seasons with the Chicago Bulls.
